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Family and Childcare Trust highlights the UK’s after-school childcare crisis

Family and Childcare Trust highlights the UK’s after-school childcare crisis

Written by
Student Nannies

The UK is facing an after-school childcare crisis with more than two thirds of local authorities in England unable to offer sufficient after-school childcare for 5 to 11 year olds – with the figure reaching more than 80% in Scotland & Wales, according to new research by the Family and Childcare Trust.

In its 16th annual Childcare Survey, the charity reveals that many parents will not be able to find the childcare they need. Less than half of London boroughs have enough childcare for parents working full time. And the gaps are even bigger for parents who do not work typical office hours – no areas in Inner London and only 11 per cent of areas in Outer London have enough care for this group of parent.

Families with disabled children are also likely to struggle. Only 5 per cent of areas in Outer London and 9 per cent of areas in Inner London have enough childcare for them.

Ellen Broomé, deputy chief executive at the Family and Childcare Trust said:

“Recent Governments have rightfully invested in childcare, but too many parents are still struggling to find and pay for childcare that they and their children need.

“Childcare is as vital as the rails and roads for helping London to run: it boosts children’s outcomes throughout life and helps parents work. We need a strategy to make sure that every parent is better off working after they have paid for childcare.”

Availability is not the only problem, Inner London parents now pay a back-breaking average of £154 per week for a part time nursery place – or over £8,000 every year – almost triple what British families spend on food and drink in a year.

For more information visit the The Family and Childcare Trust website.